We would like to invite you to download our new eBird free iOS app for data entry. You can find the app at this link in iTunes:
In 2012, David Bell’s company BirdsInTheHand, LLC, released a mobile app called ‘BirdLog’, on Android and iOS devices. This app revolutionized the way birders recorded information in the field, and was the first and only app to tie directly into your eBird account for data entry. The app became so critical to eBird, that in 2014 the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and David Bell reached an agreement to transfer development and management the app to the eBird team at Cornell. All current iterations of BirdLog will be sunsetted in the near future, so it is important to make the switch to eBird mobile as soon as possible. The Android version will follow in a few months.
Regular users of BirdLog will find that this app works similarly, with a few key improvements. The initial goal was to make a single, free, global data entry app for eBird. Subsequent iterations of the app will focus on reworking the user interface, making the app available in other languages, allowing breeding code entry and in-app checklist editing, integration with My eBird, and improving data out functionality. We have also begun development work for Android, and eBird mobile should be available on that platform in the coming months.
What’s new with eBird Mobile?
- Free—eBird Mobile is free
- Single global version—The eBird mobile app is available in a single consolidated version that works anywhere on earth.
- Expanded languages—Offers species common names in many local language options, in parallel with the eBird web site. Four-letter quick entry based on common name and scientific name for all taxa globally, as on eBird.
- Show rarities—Rare species are now indicated on the checklist view, prompting observers to provide more detail.
- Refined start up screen—The ‘home page’ of the app has been reworked from a usability standpoint, making it clear how to get started entering data.
- Continuity—App updates don’t cause you to lose existing unsubmitted lists or personal locations and startup is not delayed by taxonomic updates.
- Data quality improvements—The app more closely matches functionality of eBird web for protocols, and prompts users to be more precise about location plotting.
- Trip summary—Improved trip summary functionality makes keeping track of your trip list and day list fast and simple.
Some tips for transitioning from BirdLog to eBird mobile
- Log in to eBird mobile with your regular eBird username and password. You do not need to create a new account.
- Submit all your saved BirdLog checklists to eBird before switching to eBird mobile. When you delete BirdLog, unsubmitted checklists will be lost permanently. Also, we recommend that you not delete BirdLog from your phone until you are sure that eBird mobile is up and running. If you have questions, please check out this article. Transitioning from BirdLog to eBird Mobile.
- Your trip list in eBird mobile will reset to zero. However, all of your sightings, life and year lists, etc. are all available (along with much more) at the eBird web site (log in and go to My eBird).
- Your “Recent Locations” list will not move from BirdLog to eBird mobile. However, eBird mobile will give access to all your Personal Locations via “Find it on a Map” and “Choose a Nearby Personal Location”. As you submit checklists, these locations will rebuild your “Recent Locations” list.
We look forward to hearing your feedback. Please send comments to ebird@cornell.edu and share your ideas on how we can improve eBird. If you like the new app, please rate it favorably on the iTunes store. We hope you enjoy the app!
Team eBird @ The Cornell Lab of Ornithology